There’s something about Paris that makes one feel intoxicatingly alive. It’s hard to put a finger on it. Perhaps it is the lure of being an iconic city peppered with romance. Or the picturesque patisseries at every corner.
Whatever it is, it keeps calling out to us. Every few months, we find ourselves making our way back to Paris – a pilgrimage of sorts if you will! Over the years we’ve discovered new areas we love in the city, offbeat spots to view that perfect sunset over the Eiffel Tower, and learnt to appreciate the city of Paris in a whole new way.
But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed – almost four years ago we wrote an article on how staying in an apartment in Paris is one of the best ways to experience the city. Four year and many trips later, we still feel the same way. On our most recent trip to Paris we rented a luxurious Parisian apartment with Paris Perfect Rentals. We opted for their centrally-located Calvados apartment in the seventh arrondissement. We really enjoyed our time in the rental apartment – be it sipping a glass of wine in our little balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower or picking up breakfast from the neighbouring boulangerie. The best part? Coming back ‘home’ after long days of sightseeing.
In fact we enjoyed ourselves so much that we thought we would pen an article on the things to keep in mind while choosing a rental apartment in Paris, so you can have a similar experience too:
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Select the area with caution
While it is easy to go opt for a generic Air B&B rental apartment in countries such as Slovenia or Iceland, the task of choosing an ideal apartment becomes really hard in sprawling cities such as Paris, London, or Rome. First you need to narrow down areas that are centrally located. As if this isn’t hard enough, you need to figure out whether or not the apartment is right for your family based on mixed reviews. But that’s not the hardest part. The hardest part is always finding an apartment that is spacious enough – most rental apartments in these sprawling metropolises feel cramped.
This is why it is advisable to opt for a reputed rental company in the know when you travel to larger European cities. For instance Paris Perfect offers a selection of handpicked rental properties, which are centrally located and well furnished. The apartment we picked was spacious and boasted of a bedroom, large living room, 2 bathrooms, and a full-fledged kitchen. The best part? It was just a 2 minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower – in fact we could see the Eiffel from our balcony 🙂 Happy times.
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Double check amenities
Every time you book an apartment in Paris, make sure you check the list of amenities provided to guests. Some important we look out for include flexible check-in, fast wifi, coffee maker, and a dining table. Perhaps the most important one, especially in Paris, is the ability to understand and speak English. For instance Paris Perfect Rentals is run by American expats, settled in Paris. This ensures ease of communication before arriving in Paris. You can also inform your host if your flight is delayed and clarify your doubts about a new city as your host checks you into your rental apartment. This always puts us at ease, and we are sure you would feel the same 🙂
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Make sure your apartment has air-conditioning (if you are travelling during summer months)
I’ll be honest – we learnt this the hard way. On our first vacation in Paris, we rented a wee apartment in Montmartre (still one of my favourite areas in the city) without getting into the nitty gritties of it. Big mistake! Along came a heatwave that made nights in the tiny carpeted apartment insufferable.
So take this from us – if you’re travelling to Paris during summer months, make sure you apartment is equipped with an air-conditioner (or fans at the very least!). While we take this for granted in a lot of parts of the world, you would be surprised at the rarity of air-conditioners or fans in European apartments. Make sure you check beforehand and book accordingly.
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It’s the little touches
Now that the bare essentials are out of the way, let’s move onto those little touches that alleviate a regular stay in Paris to something more special. If you, like us, enjoy indulgent stays, then you’d love the little things that made our stay with Paris Perfect Rentals truly special.
There was a welcome hamper, jam-packed with milk, orange juice, and other essentials, waiting for us at our apartment. Little gifts (Eiffel keyrings) were left by our bedside. Luxurious toiletries and bath salts did their best to seduce us into running a bath for ourselves. But how could I forget the bottle of wine that lay in our little French balcony, overlooking the Eiffel Tower, ready to be popped open – an ideal start to a Parisian holiday indeed!
If you need further help deciding, check out this little video we made of our time in Paris
Visiting Paris? Check out our favourite things to do in Paris here 🙂
I agree, an apartment is a wonderful way to get the feel of a city. You made a wonderful choice with your apt – it’s stunning!
Agree with you completely 🙂 Renting an apartment is the shortcut to feeling like a local in a new city
What an amazing holiday, that apartment looks so wonderful, I would love to go and stay in it and sit on the balcony sipping wine whilst looking up at the Eiffel tower!
That little balcony was definitely my favourite part about our Paris Perfect Apartment Rental 🙂
Great post. I’m heading to Paris in September for a couple of nights with some friends and our baby’s so this is so useful to us.
Hey there – that’s so cool. Apartment rentals are ideal if you’re travelling as a family. Hope you had a great time in Paris 🙂
Your apartment was really nice! I really want to visit Paris! The balcony would be a lovely idea too 🙂
Aah I love that tiny balcony too 🙂 Loved our stay Jenni
can you tell us which apt you stayed with the link
We stayed in the Calvados apartment, which was super central. You can take a look at our detailed video on Youtube on how to pick the best apartment rental for yourself before making a choice 🙂
It looks like you had a wonderful stay and the apartment looks beautiful. I will definitely look into this.
Hey Jessica – thanks a ton. I’m on a mission to convince family, friends, and readers to try staying in an apartment on their next holiday in Paris 🙂
That apartment looks like the best pick in Paris! What an amazing view to wake up to every morning!
Hey Samantha,
You’re absolutely right – we couldn’t get enough of the view. Plus the apartment was one of the most spacious that we have seen in Paris 🙂
Can u plz tell me the name of the apartment
Seems like the one we stayed in is not available anymore on their site – but you can choose any other, they’re all great 🙂
I am beyond jealous! Paris has always looked gorgeous and I’m desperate to go there one day! Hopefully soon though, and I’ll definitely be checking out an apartment/ a rental when/ if I go! 🙂
Hey Lily,
We really love Paris 🙂 Hope you get to go there real soon!!
Stunning. I haven’t been to Paris yet, but these pictures make me want to fast track it to the top of the list x
Elyse you must visit Paris – it’s a gorgeous city and if you get the chance do stay in one of these stunning apartments 🙂
Renting a perfect apartment in Paris is an excellent idea. Such a beautiful city to explore, and having a comfortable base that is perfectly located is just what you need.
Hey Jen – glad you agree. Always enjoy finding a great apartment. It makes for the perfect base to explore a city, especially Paris 🙂
I’ve have only visited Paris as a child, this makes me want to go back so much!
Hey Kerry – that’s criminal. You MUST re-visit Paris super soon 🙂
I would love to revisit Paris again and I adore the idea of having your own apartment, sometimes it is nice to have more of your own space when away.
I couldn’t agree more Sarah 🙂 Really enjoy staying in apartments in Paris, even though it’s hard to find the perfect one
Paris is such a beautiful city. I think renting an apartment is a great idea – more time just for you and whoever you are travelling with
I couldn’t agree more – Paris totally deserves the hype it gets 🙂
Paris is on my list to visit for my 30th birthday next year. I can’t wait!
What an amazing way to celebrate your thirtieth – have fun in Paris Claire 🙂
Checking amenities is a must no matter where you go! I’ve been stung a few times in places like Spain and Austira
Really? What a shame! We’ve had great experience renting apartments in Spain.
I’ve never thought about renting an apartment before but it looks wonderful! 🙂
Glad we could give you a new perspective at accommodation in Paris 🙂
I love Paris too, although I have never stayed in an apartment there – what a lovely idea! It sounds like the perfect base to explore the city!
One for your next holiday – look up Paris Perfect if you want a luxurious apartment. Would suggest opting for one in a quiet residential street close to Eiffel Tower )
You’ve convinced me! As always, you guys do an amazing job of enticing me with beautiful descriptions and gorgeous photos! Can’t wait to see what you guys get up to next!
Hehe Adele – glad you agree. I remember the first time we rented an apartment in Paris – it was small but it made us look at Paris in a whole new light. You have to try it out for yourself 🙂
I’ve never considered renting an apartment in a city like this, but I like the idea of it feeling more like a home than just a place to stay x
I agree Rhian – there’s something immensely comforting about coming back to a ‘home’ after a long day of sightseeing 🙂
Great recommendations! My folks love visiting Paris for a romantic weekends, they tend to stay in hotels but might look at apartments next time for longer stays x
Hey there – glad we managed to persuade you to give renting an apartment in Paris a go – pretty sure you’ll love it 🙂
Agree with your tips! Rent an apartment to feel like a local. Your experience would be a lot different.
Glad you agree Anosa – been really enjoying renting apartments on vacations recently, especially if we are staying for more than a couple of days 🙂
This is a great post – we ended up booking quite a cheap Air Bnb which ended up being quite far out of Paris and very small!
We still had an amazing holiday none the less, and I have used Air Bnb to book two holidays this Summer 🙂
Dani x
Hey Dani – we’ve been in the same boat before. Too small and too far sounds familiar 😉
Paris is one of my favourite European cities – never thought of hiring an apartment though! x
Hey Stephanie – it’s one of my favourite cities too. Do try renting an apartment the next time you’re there – pretty sure you’ll love it 🙂
Wow!! The apartment looks gorgeous!! I’ve only ever been to Paris for the day and Id love to explore it in more depth.
Lottie – Paris definitely calls a weekend at the very least. But I’d suggest spending a week there just to take it all in 🙂
I have never been to Pris but I have flown over it and I remember how big it looked like. The location of the flat should be considered very carefully, you re right. You couldn’t have chose better for yours!
Hey Joanna – you should definitely try and make it to Paris soon since we’re practically neighbours 🙂
Breathtaking pics and article, thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed reading it 🙂
Planning to be in Paris next month,for two weeks. We rented an apartment in the 5th. Our first time in Paris. Can’t wait!!
Hey that’s awesome – have fun in Paris. Pretty sure you’ll love your stay in an apartment 🙂
Gread.It looks like you had a wonderful stay and the apartment looks beautiful. I will definitely look into this.
That’s awesome – hope you enjoy your time in a Parisian apartment 🙂
Paris is a wonderful city and I love how you guys have explored it on your own accord. Sometimes a little indulgence feels necessary and well-deserved. My recent trips to the Bahamas – although they have also been for work – feel like the perfect mix of indulgence and practicality. Thanks for sharing guys.
You’re very welcome Mark 🙂
This is just a perfect read! Paris is my dream destination and Have read all your Paris blogs and just can’t wait to visit 😍😘
Hey Ashfina – hope you make it to Paris super soon. I know you’ll love it as much as we do 🙂
Nice and chic too, I will go to paris next week, look forward to seeing you
Hey that’s awesome. Have fun in Paris 🙂
Wow, that was a nice trip you had and and the pictures looks beautiful. Being a part of a travel startup such post encourages us to discover more about all these places. And this is simply awesome
Glad you enjoyed reading it 🙂
Hey
I like reading your articles.if possible could you also please state the aprox budget for the trip?
Hey Mahak – we’ve written articles for a lot of mid-range, budget, and luxury options in Paris, so it’s impossible to specify one budget – it will depend on where you’re flying from and the kind of accommodation you choose
Hey Savi and Vid. I’m planning a trip to Paris and read almost all the blogs you guys wrote on Paris. I loved the idea of staying in an apartment. I did check Paris Perfect like you said. And the apartments are beautiful, but they are extremely expensive. It’s showing per night approx € 500-700. (INR ₹40k to 50k) On the other hand hotels are available for INR 10k. I’m a little confused. Can you enlighten me a little. Also which apartment did you guys stay in? Can you mention the name. Thanks , much love!
Hey Prachi – that’s right. That why they are ‘luxury apartments’ – we’ve included them as suggestions for a special holiday or honeymoon in Paris. Unfortunately it is close to impossible to get an affordable yet well located hotels and apartments in Paris (we’ve been bitten many times), so I’d ask you to cross check the logistics of the hotel you’re thinking of booking.
However if you do want a mid-range apartment, then I’d suggest reading our other articles on Paris – we’ve stumbled on some nice ones in all our years of visiting Paris. If you do decide to go the Air B&B route, please check out our video on Air B&B on Youtube for some pointers and things to keep in mind, especially while booking accommodation in places like Paris, London, and NYC. Hope this helps. Have a great trip 🙂
Hey,
We are planning for a few days in Paris as one part of our Honeymoon and this apartment renting looks like one of the best options among the expensive hotels present, plus considering visiting in July, the tariffs will be at the peak.